#24hCityTrip: The best of Paris in 24 hours

A look back at this whirlwind trip to one of the most beautiful capitals in the world: it’s Paris. There are so many things to see and do that you would need many visits to truly get to know it. Rich in history, heritage and unique identity, Paris is full of true treasures

There are these majestic palaces scattered throughout the capital, these many museums that are among the most visited in the world, and there are these many neighborhoods, so different from one another, with a very special soul that make Paris charming. From the Marais to Montmartre, through Saint Germain or Pigalle, you feel like you are in a village with its traditions, its characters, its history and its legends in every neighborhood.

Paris is cultural, fashionable, sexy, authentic while being modern and open to the future. Our beautiful capital radiates to the whole world and continues to charm anyone who visits it for the first time.

We have prepared a simple, no-frills guide to discovering Paris in 24 hours, combining the capital’s touristy and quirky aspects with our favorites and recommended places. Before embarking on your adventure, we recommend that you equip yourself with Paris City Passport, A pass that allows you to visit the 60 main tourist attractions of the capital and make great savings on transportation, museums, cruises, and enjoy many discounts. The Paris City Passport is available in 2, 3, or 5-day versions, starting at €72.

It includes the pass for unlimited transport (zones 1 to 3) + the pass for public transport in the city. 60 museums and monuments in Paris and its region + a 1.30-hour boat ride on the Seine + a pass for a Big Bus Paris tour that allows you to explore the city with the option to stop at any point and continue your journey whenever you want, as many times as you want.

Here is the list of the main museums and monuments included in the Pass

In Paris:
– Louvre Museum – Orsay Museum – City of Sciences and Industry – Notre Dame Tower – Notre Dame Archaeological Crypt – Conciergerie – Sainte-Chapelle – Arc de Triomphe – Army Museum, Tomb of Napoleon I – Pantheon – Pompidou Center – National Museum of Modern Art – National Museum of Asian Arts – Guimet – Museum of Decorative Arts – Museum of Arts and Crafts – Quai Branly Museum – Penitential Chapel – French Cinematheque – Cinema Museum – National Museum Eugène Delacroix – Museum of the Paris Sewer – Museum of the Arab World Institute – Museum of Art and History of Judaism – National Museum of the Marine – National Museum of the Orangerie – Rodin Museum – City of Architecture and Heritage – Museum of French Monuments – Cluny Museum – National Museum of the Middle Ages – Museum of Relief Maps – Palais de la Musique – Museum of Music – Nissim de Camondo Museum – Spaces Fashion and Textile – Spaces Advertising – Gustave Moreau Museum – Palace of Discovery – universality

Around Paris:
– National Museum of the Castles of Versailles and Trianon – Vincennes Castle – National Museum of Archaeology and National Domain of Saint-Germain-en-Laye – Royal Abbey of Châlons – National Museum of the Renaissance – Château d’Ecouen – House of Auguste Rodin in Meudon – Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis – Villa Savoye – Sèvres, City of Ceramics – National Museum of Ceramics – National Museum and Domain of the Imperial Castles of Compiègne – Maurice Denis Regional Museum – Château de Pierrefonds – National Museum of the Castles of Malmaison and Bois-Préau – Château de Champs-sur-Marne

---

 

 The Marais, Place des Vosges

Arriving at our train from Nice to Paris at Lyon station, and off we go to the Marais! Get your energy back before tackling the discovery of Paris by enjoying a good breakfast on the Vosges beach. We went to the Carette café, a very beautiful tea room located under the arcades of the square; the only downside is that the prices are a bit high… You can also find many lovely little cafés in the neighborhood. Take the time to walk through the arcades that surround one of the oldest squares in Paris, known for being the twin of the Ducale square in Charleville Mézières. Don’t miss the chance to wander around and get lost in the streets of the Marais; there you’ll discover the soul of the neighborhood. Nearby you can visit the Carnavalet museum, the Picasso museum, and the National Archives. A must stop is the beautiful Rue des Rosiers, where you can also have your breakfast with the best falafel in the city (L’as du Fallafel).

 

---

 

The Royal Palace

Leave the Marais to head to the Palais Royal and the Louvre, passing by the Pompidou Centre, Saint Eustache Church, Etienne Marcel, and the Grand Cerf Passage with its atypical and unique shops. Enjoy this authentic, lively, and sometimes alternative Paris with many street art works on every street corner or passage. Depending on the visits you want to do, you will have to make choices to keep up the pace for 24 or 48 hours. Although you won’t be able to visit a major museum in just one hour, do your research beforehand and choose which part of the museum or collection you want to discover. This is the case for the Louvre, Pompidou, Orsay Museum, and many others. By the way, did you know that you can have an unusual visit of the Louvre at night? Experience it on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:45 p.m.

 

---

 

Saint Germain des Prés

This neighborhood is known for being frequented by the most renowned artists, writers, and intellectuals. Gradually Saint-Germain-des-Prés loses its charm and the bookshops of the time give way to luxury boutiques and other trendy concept stores. Despite this, a visit is well worth it; the streets are charming, the architecture is remarkable, and you are always drawn to these small «village» squares. Sit on the terrace of a bistro and you will be immersed in this unique atmosphere. The two most famous and touristy ones are Le Deux Magots and Le Café Flore, but the prices are quite high… Prefer a neighborhood bar that you have discovered on the corner of a street. You can also have a good sandwich and sit on the banks of the Seine; a treat! During your stroll, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Saint Germain’s church square; it’s well worth a visit, especially if you’re a couple; the setting is very romantic.

 

---

 

Notre Dame Cathedral

Take in the height as you visit the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the capital. When you visit it, don’t miss passing by the English bookstore Shakespeare an Company located opposite the Seine at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie. As soon as you step through the door, you enter a completely unique universe; you feel as if you are outside time; there are thousands of books stacked in such small spaces; and then there’s a kind of mini-cabinet, a kind of confessional decorated with dedications where you find a small desk, a stool and an old typewriter. In another room there’s an old piano on which customers and visitors come to play a few tunes. The atmosphere is very special; you almost feel you’re in a JK Rowling story!

 

---

 

 Cruise on the Seine in Batouches

Enjoy a 1h10 walk along the Seine aboard the legendary Batobus boats, discovering the most prestigious monuments and buildings that have marked the history of the capital. This excursion is included in the Paris City Pass. Departures take place in the summer every 30 minutes (all hours in winter) and the last tour takes place around 10pm. Meet at Port of the Conference at the Pont de l’Alma level, on the Right Bank.

 

---

 

 The Eiffel Tower

You can't visit Paris without admiring the Iron lady, The symbol of the capital and of France, one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, which shines day and night over Paris. If it’s your first time there, especially if you’re a couple, you could possibly go to the 2nd floor to admire the spectacular view (19.90€/person); otherwise, we recommend going to the Champ de Mars garden at sunset with 2 glasses and a half bottle of Champagne, guaranteed surprise gentlemen 😉 By going to Eiffel Tower, You can also go through the Quai Branly Museum Enjoy a temporary exhibition or visit some of the Paris sewers, an original and somewhat unusual experience (included in the Paris City Pass)!

 

---

 

 The Champs Elysées

Take a stroll along the Champs Elysées to reach the top of the Arc de Triomphe to admire the view over this famous avenue considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Entrance is included with the Paris City Pass and you can visit it from 10:00 to 22:30.

 

---

 

Haussmann shopping boulevard

Craving some shopping? Head to the Grands Boulevards and more specifically to the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Even if you have nothing to buy, take the opportunity to admire the interior of this magnificent building, especially during the Christmas holidays when the Christmas decorations and the windows are spectacular. The shops are open until 20:00, except on Thursdays until 21:00.

 

---

 

 Dinner at the Frenchie restaurant

Spend a pleasant start to the evening in this beautiful trendy restaurant in Paris, where you can enjoy excellent dishes in a pleasant, authentic and lively atmosphere. The restaurant Frenchie is located at 5-6 rue du Nil – 75002 Paris. Metro 3: Sentier

 

---

 

 A play in a small theater in Pigalle/Clichy

Head to the famous lively Pigalle Clichy neighborhood to attend a humorous play in a boulevard café-theatre; you’re sure to have a pleasant evening. We’ve already been to the Théâtre de Dix Heures, but there are plenty of others to suit all tastes. For more information, check out billetreduc.com, You will find the agenda for all the evenings in Paris.

 

---

 

 Succulent cocktails at the hotel bar

Come to the bar at The Hotel, The smallest five-star palace in Paris, famous for having hosted Oscar Wilde during the last years of his life. The hotel is located on the left bank at 13 rue des Beaux Arts. Forget the cocktails you used to enjoy in the evening; here you will taste exceptional creations created by bartenders talented artists, in a prestigious setting.

 

---

 

Night at the Balmoral Hotel

It’s time to bid farewell to this beautiful day full of many discoveries. Nothing like a regenerating night at the Balmoral Hotel, a 4-star establishment located just a short walk from the Place de l’Étoile.

 

---

 

 

Breakfast in Montmartre

Nothing like ending these 24 hours of urban adventure in Paris by savoring a breakfast in one of the most mythical neighborhoods of the capital that attracts tourists from all over the world. Montmartre, its artists, its picturesque alleys, its old-time village atmosphere, is the ideal place to start the day! Head to Place du Tertre or one of the «village» alleys; you’re sure to find a nice, typical Parisian café. Then don’t miss a visit to Sacré Coeur and a wander through the streets of Montmartre; you’ll definitely be disconnected.

 

And voilà, here ends our express journey in Paris. You well knew that it takes more than 24 hours to discover all the wonders of the capital. We sometimes visit it on special occasions (concerts, inaugurations, work, etc.) to devote a few days to exploring certain neighborhoods. From the Côte d’Azur there is the train IDTGV Nice – Paris, which is offered at attractive prices, ideal for an express weekend getaway.